2024 Class of Celebrating
EMPORIA • OLPE • NORTHERN HEIGHTS • HARTFORD • MADISON • CHASE COUNTY • LEBO • FHTC • ESUFLINT HILLS LEARNING CENTER 2024 GRADUATES*
Alize A Alanis
Jesus Alonso
Alondra Aranda Palencia
Axcell Arauz
Daisy C Barrientos
Jose Bedolla
Christopher Allen Behnke
Michael Asher Benjamin
Humberto Cadena Sr.
Shelia Joselyn Castillo
Marcos G Castro
Donnie Alex Cates
Victoria Rena Criqui
Casey James Derflinger
Braxton Lane Eckman
Ashley Marie Edwards
Landyn Jess Fry
Zulay Fuenmayor
Alejandra Garzon Hoyos
Martha Gonzalez
Jodi L Goza
Dayjah E Graddick
Enrique Ismael Guzman
Akira N Hall
Isabella Jolene Hanson
Yeraldin Hernandez Mendez
Edwin Hernandez Nolasco
Pedro Infante Jr.
Naheed X Javid
Isaiah Anthony Kauffman
Steven Landaverde
Kaylee Jenna Lane
Jason Alexander Lang
Terrence Anthony Langley
Carlos Manuel Lemus
Adela Lemus
Anthony Lopez
Jessica N Magathan
Edwin Alexander Martinez
Tiana L Martinez
Jayden Lee Masters
Brian Lee Myers
Steven Nunez
Mariana Olivera
Manny Once Nancy Orozco
Izabel Leigh Partridge
Jamilet Estrella Posada
Elizabeth Ramirez
Irma C Ramos-Lascano
Tonya Rangel
Noe G Rios Perez
Juan F Rodriguez
Abril E Ruiz Campos
Jose Jesus Santana
Destiny Dawn Smith
Itzel Sotelo
Evien M Stewart
Danna Toledo
Lydia Irene
Vanderzanden
Makayla N Villanueva
Maria Laura Vivas
Chaniece Marshae Wamser
Adriana Isabel Yanez
Jonathan Zelaya
*list is correct as of 04/26/2024, list is subject to change before actual graduation date.
Congratulations to the senior class of Emporia High School!
Your hard work, dedication, and resilience have brought you to this momentous achievement. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, may you continue to inspire and achieve greatness! GO SPARTANS!
Bailey Darbyshire
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Kevin and Emily Darbyshire Congratulations Bailey! We are so proud of you! Love, Dad, Mom, Regan and Dalen
Dave and Ginger Redeker
We are so proud of you!! Love Dad, Mom, Morgan, Peyton, Baylor, Logan, Alex and Cade
May 4, in Salina, and May 10-11, 2024, in Manhattan.
9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024. White Auditorium, 111 E. Sixth Ave.
Dathan Fischer Emporia High School Principal
EMPORIA HIGH 2024 GRADUATES*
Amberly Rosalia Acuna
Ximena Denae Aldama
Yasmin Aleman
Maikaila Nicole AllamanWesley
Alexander Quinn Allemang
Edwin Ambriz
Kaylee Ambriz Alvarado
Erik Ambriz Reyes
Melanie Ambriz Vitela
Cassie Kay Anderson
Ellie Brielle Anderson
Ian Anderson
Shane M. Anderson
Andres A. Aranda
Fernanda C. Arreola
Mohammad Meheraj Bin Arif
Braden M. Ary
Melissa Diane Avila
Emely Y. Ayala
Aleena J. Bair
Teegan Shae Baker
Chloe Lynn Barb
Brianna Lee Barrett
Gabriel Barrett
Madison LeAnn Baysinger
Emeil G. Bennett
Owen M. Bernal
Landon D. Bird
Rhiana Ella Birk
Seoul Orchid Elizabeth Bishoff
Skyler Will Bradford
Hunter T. Brand
Bryce Edward Brown
Sixto Bustos Jr.
Brian Caballero
Karen Melissa Cabrera
Joscelyn Alexa Calderon
Alex Orlando Calderon
Hector Emiliano Carrillo
Sam E. Carrillo
Darian Alexandrea Chadwick
Sara Elizabeth Chapman
Christian D. Chávez
Phillip Leroy Cherry
Hunter E. Clark
Isaiah A. Clark
Ramsey L. Clark
Wyatt Clark
Aracely Coral Cofradias
Callum Donavin Conway
Laney Rose Cooper
Kimberly Anahi CoradoHernandez
Braxton J. Criger
Caleigh Grace Crowell
Rosie Marie Crump
Landon D. Crumpacker
Carlos Eduardo Cruz
Antonio Miguel Cruz-Mercer
Emely Xiomara Cubias
Taylor K. Cunningham Owen Dall
Nicole Katherine Dalton
Karla Valeria De La Fuente Barrientos
Natalie Cassandra Denton
Lexsey Rae DeWitt
Ayden Diaz
Kai Olivia Dicke
Amelia Jo Dold
Kendell J. Douglas
Caleb Enabnit
Angel Omar Escalante
Jacqueline Escobar
Adrian Estrada
Aiden L. Ewing
Ava Grace Faulkner
Ella Madison Fessler
Jose A. Flores
AshLynn Ranai Foraker
Lily Lynn Foster
Khaaliya Maria Freire
Isabella Rayne Garcia
Miguel A. Garcia
Bonnie Gabriela Gardner
Lane Christopher Gardner
Nelly Marcela Gomez Cardenas
Jocelyn Gonzalez
Chloe M. Gorton
Dessa M. Graddick
Avery E. Grimwood
Mia Ann Grover
Jasmine Skye Grundleger
Xavier Dario Guevara
Brylea Ann Guion
Logan Eric Gurley
Addison Taylor Gutierrez
Tagen A. Hale
Dawson C. Halfmann
Dakoda Dee Hall
Nicole Ann Hallacy
Finley Sage Harjo
Avery Elizabeth Hart
Ian B. Hase
Marianna Jashai Hawkins
Lily M. Heinen
Nolan W. Heitman
Kyla R. Herfkens
Izelt Monzerat Hernandez
Jonathan Josue Hernandéz
Kaily Sarai Hernandez
Noemi Elizabeth Hernandez
Yurixi Hernandez Vitela
Tucker R. Hill
Alexandria M. Hosch
Jeremiah Levi Huber
Brody Keagen Hudson
Keyara T. Hysom
Tevyn Lau Inthavongsa
Grace E. Isch
Thailyn D. Iverson-Caldwell
James Christopher Jacobs
Zygmunt K. Jarczyk
Jayden B. Johnson
Scott Thomas Jones
Martin Juárez
Adam Paul Kamprath
Katina S. Keosybounheuang
Zander Keosybounheuang
Abigail Kristine Kessinger
Konner L. Khamphouy
Kellen Dean Kimberlin
Addison Kathleen Kirmer
Brady Alexander Kurtenbach
Kathryn Sophia Lackey
Ethan Myles Lawrence
Shazeidi Zaray Leal
Emma Renee Lee
Andres Lemus
Karen Jasmine Lemus
Ruby C. Lemus
Christopher A. Lemus
Mezquita
Layla M. Lerch-Davila
Jacob Isaac Leyva
Jada-mai F. Longfellow
Alejandro Lopez
Jonathan Lopez
Grace Annette Loveall
Drake W. Lutes
Natasha E. Lutes
Tyler R. Luthi
Edwin Ruben Maciel
America Y. Magaña
Caleb Wallace Maley
Hayden Marie Mann
Kyler Patrick Marcotte
Alondra Marin
Addison Lynn Marshall
Juliana Evany Martinez
Quianna Martinez
Yovanni Martinez
Trinity L. Mason
Danielle G. McClellan
Maedeen McClure
Willow A. McGuire
Lynique Yariann McHellon
Keighley P. McKnab
Mya Grace Meinke
Irvin Mejia
Valeria Valentina Menanteau
Linley G. Mendenhall
Kevin Gael Mendez
Daniel Raymond Mendoza
Faith Mendoza
Brooks R. Mertens
Christine Miller
Paige Avery Miller
Nahiely Esperanza Miranda
Tanner Kirwin Mischke
Devin Leigh Mohling
Cayden M. Moore
Lindsay Morales
Fabian A. Moreno
Alexander Robert Mosiman
Sebastián Mostacero-Lopez
Edward J. Moyer
Marley Rose Mullen
Virginia L. Munoz
Ian C. Navarro
Riley Michael Neff
Erica Negrete Cervantes
Thanh T. Bui Nguyen
Kager W. Ochs
Nathalie Monike Ortiz Espinoza
Conny Jassmin Osorio
Mariette Belen Palma
Marco A. Pardo
Tyler J. Parker
Cale J.L. Parks
Kimberly Ryan Peak
Zayda Rees Pearson
Jorge Esqueda Pena
Johanna D. Perez
Daryna M. Pernatiy
William Spencer Pike
Broden M. Podrebarac
Aki A. Poersch
Abel Posada
Jesus Daniel Posada
Monique Love Prosper
Ashton Gene Ralston
Vanessa Saraí Ramos
Cooper Wade Rech
Yuliana Renteria
Iris Aileen Rentería Rivera
Alexander J. Reyes
Finneas A. Reynolds
Ridley C. Richardson
Ashley Rios
Enrique A. Rios
Selena May Roby
Madilynn D. Rodriguez
Oscar Rodriguez
Sage M. Rodriguez
Mia Rodriguez Esparza
Vincent James Armand Romano
Osmar Daniel Rubio-Guzman
Jovany Ruiz
Zachary K. Russell
Lacey Mae Rust
Sofia Angelica Ruvalcaba
Esteban Antonio Saldana
Estephani Saldaña Gutierrez
Fabian Salgado Jr.
Journey Leaosha Sanders
Cesar A. Santillan-Ortega
Jason Michael Schmitt Jr.
Brian J. Schumann
TreMayne Tyrell Scott
Calvin Edward Seeley
Micah Gabrielle Sheffy-Harris
Makayla Danae Sherman
*list is correct as of 04/23/2024, list is subject to change before actual graduation date.
Noah W. Shinn
Alexa Jade Shivley
Caleb Lucas Shull
Mikinzi Diane Simmons
Jacob R. Simons
Josu Ezekiel Smith
Maya E. Smith
Rory F. Smith
Katie Solis
Brian Emmanuel Sotelo
Blake Joseph Spellman
Delane Scout Stair
Lily Anne Stephenson
Keegan Levi Stewart
Sheldon M. Stewart
Talihah M. Tabares
Esperanza Marivel Tabares
Marceleno
Eryn E. Templeton
Jamie Lea Thompson
Margarita Trinidad Tierrablanca
Eduardo Torres
Mia N. Trujillo
Tanisha Trujillo Gomez
Arabella Pearl Turner
Hunter L. Turpin
Vianet Alexandria Umana
Megan Lee Urrutia
Alondra Yessenia Valencia
Jacqueline Vargas Coria
Jonathan Joni Vazquez
Kailey Joseline Vazquez
Jose A. Ventura
Aaron Javier Villegas
Brandon R. Walburn
Talia E. Welch
Drew Hunter Wells
McKinsey West
Clara Jane Williams
Danika E. Williams
Kamorah R. Williams
Lauren Grace Williams
Taygen C. Wilson
Kyler R. Worrel
Tristin Loomis Wright
Jilbert Zamora
Damia Rikki Zapata
Ahmad Zeeshaan
Aryona Monique Zimmerman
Caleigh Crowell
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Amanda Pock and Dustin Crowell
Congrats on graduating with honors! Your future is so bright. We are proud of you!
Grace Elizabeth Isch
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Kevin and Sara Isch
We are so proud of you and excited for your future! Love, Mom, Dad, Adam, Garrett
Damia Zapata
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Damian and Carolyn Hollins, Damien Zapata
You are blessed beyond measure and destined for greatness.
Love you always.
Jacob Simons
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jami Reever and Kim Simons
Congratulations, Jacob!
We can’t wait to see you succeed at KU!
Love Mom, Dad and Ben
Kyler P Marcotte
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Ryan and Roxy Marcotte
It’s been an amazing journey Ky!
Looking forward to the next chapter! Love, Mom and Dad
Keyara Hysom
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL Congrats! You did it!!
Love, Papa, Grandma and everyone!
Jayden Johnson
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Reese and Bre Johnson
Congrats Jayden!
We are so proud of you. Good Luck at KU!
Love Mom, Dad and Jared
Scott Jones
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Congrats Scotty!
We are proud of you! Good luck on your next adventure. Love Dad, Amie, Garrett and Skyler.
Alex Allemang
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Clark and Shanan Allemang Good Luck at ESU!
We love you! Mom, Dad, Aidan, and Bear. #Kicker
Braxton Criger
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL AND FLINT
HILLS TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Russ and Alicia Criger
We are so proud of you son!
Awesome job!
Ian Navarro
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Chris and Amber Navarro
Congratulations Ian!
This is just the beginning of many more milestones!
We are PROUD OF YOU!
Lily Anne Stephenson
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Rose Charboneau
I am so proud of you!
Love you to the moon and back!
EMPORIA HIGH AND FLINT HILLS
TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Jason and Richelle Birk
“Our sweet baby girl, we are so proud of you! Good Luck at Bellus Academy in Manhattan.
Love Daddy & Mommy”
Seoul Bishoff
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Erica and Tony Tabares
We’re so proud of the sweet, creative, unique woman you are! Love always, mom and Tony
Blake Spellman
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Lenny Spellman and Angela Wilson
Congrats Buddy!
We Love you! Dad and Mom
Trinity Mason
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Shana Meade and Stevie Mason
We are so proud of you!
Good luck at ESU!
Calvin Seeley
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Samuel and Leslie Seeley
Congrats, Calvin!
We are so proud of you!
Good luck at ESU!
Arabella Pearl Turner
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Matthew and Alaska Turner
You grow in beauty
and strength every day.
Can’t wait to see you fly!
Cooper Rech
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Chris and Shannon Rech
So proud of you.
Good luck at K-State.
Love Mom and Dad
Lexsey DeWitt
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Brian and Melanie DeWitt
Congrats Lex!
We are so proud of you!
Love - Dad, Mom and Kaylee
Lauren Williams
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jennifer and Jason Williams
Congrats Lauren!
We are so proud of you.
Good luck at KU!
Love, Mom and Dad
Drake Lutes
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jeff and Shelly Lutes
We are amazed by your achievements!
You will do amazing things!
Peace Love Boop!
Edward Moyer
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Kerry and Sarah Moyer
Congratulations Edward!
Good Luck at ESU!
Love Mom, Dad and Miles
Makayla Sherman
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
James and Ashley Sherman
Congrats Mak!
Good luck at KU!
Love always, Mom, Dad, Adelyn, Maverick and Nayeli
Tasha Lutes
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jeff and Shelly Lutes
We are so proud for all you have accomplished.
Peace Love Boop!
Good luck at ESU!
Danika Williams
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Joel and Crystal Williams
Congrats Danika!
We are so proud of you!
We can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Ximena Denae Aldama
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Mercedes and Miguel Aldama
We are so proud of you.
Love, Mami, Papi and David
Zander Keosybounheuang
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
John and Sunnin Keosybounheuang
Make good choices.
Love you!
Teegan Baker
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jim and Kelly Baker
Congrats pretty girl! I know that you are gonna do great things. Love you so much, Mom, Dad and Allie
Class of 2024
Congratulations! Journey 1 of life is coming to a close. The staff at NHHS wishes you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Keep working to achieve and lead as you have throughout your educational career in USD 251. Remember to thank those that helped you through this journey and always remember once a Wildcat always a Wildcats. Congratulation Class of 2024! Mr. Watkins
Mr. Watkins
Northern Heights High School
Principal
Graduation Information:
Graduation will be Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m. in the gymnasium.
Lilly Parks
NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
Brady and Kim Parks
Congrats Lilly, you are ready to take on the world.
Love, Mom, Dad, Jessica and Hank
Esperanza Nakita Arevalo
Diego Alanjandro Avendano
Jake Louis Ball
Sadie Ann Bathurst
Hannah Irene Cathcart
Nathanial Jay Ciero
Bethany Taylor DeDonder
Boston Voorhees
NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
Dana Voorhees, Grandparents
Jerry and Beth Voorhees
We are so proud of you.
Always believe in yourself and know you can do anything.
Makenna Jean Delgado
Zachary Lee Easlon
Elizabeth Marie Galloway
BeAnna Grace Gasche
Joshua Cooper Hamlin
Nathan Charles Hansen
Savannah Angel-Marie Hopper
Aiden Voorhees
NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
Dana Voorhees, Grandparents
Jerry and Beth Voorhees
We are so proud of you.
Aim for the stars and never look back.
Spencer Ryan Jenkins-Fox
Addison Lynnae Landgren
Molly Jean McGuire
Chloe Eloisa Navarro
Patrick Gage Niedfeldt
Lilly Lynelle Parks
Preston Aiden Patton
Rykin Jade Piper
Tyler James Robinson
NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
Matt and Tonya Navarro
We’re proud of you for chasing your dreams! Go Shockers!
Love Dad, Mom, Gaige and Zane
Journey Leaosha Sanders
Riley Loraine Smith
Abigaile Nevaeh Sull
Aiden James Voorhees
Boston Lee Voorhees
Austin James Woodrow
Braxton Lee Young
Sunday, May 12, 2 p.m. in the high school gym
Gwendolyn Runde (620) 273-6311
201 Cherry St, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845
bbafh@hotmail.com • www.brown-bennett-alexander.com
Grace
Kinzie
Veronika
Micayla Simpson
Emiliano
GET SCHOOLED ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING
High school graduates or individuals looking to explore continuing education at any age have various options. Among the most popular options is enrolling in a college or university. Studying a trade in a vocational school is another popular option.
What are vocational schools?
Vocational schools are sometimes referred to as career or trade schools. Vocational schools tend to offer certificate programs that are much shorter in duration than traditional college degree programs, and train students for skilled jobs. Vocational programs prepare individuals for careers in electrical work, hairstyling and cosmetology, certified nursing aids, automotive work, and HVAC services, among others.
Cost of attendance
Cost of education is an important factor when choosing a career, and the cost of vocational school is no exception. The College Board says trade school costs between $5,000 and $15,000 on average for a three- to 18-month program. By comparison, the national average for a twoyear degree program at public and private colleges can range from $3,621 to $15,333 per year. The cost to attend a four-year college is considerably higher, though it varies widely by institution.
NerdWallet reports that, as of 2021, total student loan debt in the United States exceeded $1.61 trillion. Vocational school can be a much more affordable option than attending college, without the specter of large amounts of debt looming once the training is over.
An obvious job path
Many higher education concentrations are confronting low enrollment, while vocational programs are doing quite well, according to The Hechinger Report, which covers innovation and equality in education. The reason may be that vocational training presents a clear career path, and a more secure way to a solid job. Mechanic and repair trade programs had an enrollment increase of 11.5 percent from spring 2021 to 2022, indicates the National Student Clearinghouse.
“America is lending money it doesn’t have to kids who can’t pay it back to train them for jobs that no longer exist,” says Mike Rowe, television personality and founder of the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, which offers scholarship money to those who are pursuing the trades. Rowe feels that America has convinced
people that the best path for most people is an expensive education. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates there are more than seven million jobs available across the U.S. that do not require a four-year-degree.
Advantages to vocational schools
Trade school students
can look forward to some benefits.
✦ hands-on learning
✦ more rigid schedule
✦ efficient time usage
✦ faster class pace
✦ small class sizes
✦ ability for licensure, where needed
✦ lower costs of attendance compared to other types of schooling
✦ instructors who are experts in their fields
Vocational schools are an option for students right out of high school or those returning to school later in life. Such schools provide access to millions of rewarding and lucrative jobs that can offer financial security.
Ameila R. Bailey
Kyle Bartel
Brody L. Cole
Grace Coughlin
Faith A. Dedmon
Braydon L. Fowler
Aubryn S. Garriott
Grace Krueger
James Krueger
Kinzie A. Kurzen
Dalton C. Mayer
Isaac Miller
Cordon W. Olson
Rowdy T. Orear
Daisy Osborne
Ethan Redeker
Kadey A. Robert
Gracie A. Scheve
Thayne R. Schmidt
Rhilee Scott
Blake Skalsky
Jade Smith
Zoey. G. Vogts
Colten L. Wolf
To the Class of 2024
Thank You for your leadership, mentorship to younger students, and service to the Lebo Community. You are an impressive group of people and I cannot wait to watch each of you chase your passion! I am so proud of you!
Dr. Veatch
Lebo High School Principal
Jolee Baldridge
Hannah Carpenter
Ashton Ehrhardt
Keaira Ferguson
Gunner Graybeal
Kord Kiefer
Graduation
Information:
Sunday, May 12, 4 p.m. in the high school gym
Emma Marsh
Katherine Ott
Audrey Peek
Corey Reese Jr.
Dominic Risner
Grayson Shoemaker
Grant Williams
Ashton Ehrhardt
LEBO HIGH SCHOOL
Lindsay (Andrew) Birk and John (Bre) Ehrhardt
Congrats Ashton!!
Love you more! YaYa and PaPop (Marla and Frenchie Frye)
Madison High School Graduating Class of
Ms. Baird
Madison High School Principal
Graduation
Information:
The
emony
Ratcliff Propane LLC
Mya
Lucinda Celte
Jefferson Davies
Makenna Engle
Brooke Gaines
Austin Griffith
Hayden
Judith Luthi
Avery
Gannon Pyle
Landon Seimears
City of Madison
HARTFORD CLASS OF 2024
Madison Miller
HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL
Fayline Blakely, Jesse Hosford, Mike and Carrie Leseberg Dream big, work hard, and anything is possible. Congratulations Madison! Kevin Goza HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL
Graduation Information:
Saturday, May 18, 1 p.m. in the high school gym
Congratulations to the graduating seniors!
As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that the journey ahead is filled with new independence and possibilities. Embrace every opportunity, stay true to your passions, and continue to strive for greatness. We cannot wait to see what contributions you will make and the places you’ll go! Best wishes for a bright and successful future!
Sincerely,
Mr. Whitson and your Jaguar Family Hartford High School Principal
GIFTS FOR NEW GRADS ABOUT TO ENTER THE WORKFORCE
The day a student graduates from college is a momentous occasion. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that more than two million students earned bachelor’s degrees at the conclusion of the 2019-20 school year, the most recent year such information was available.
As another graduation season rounds into form, millions more hardworking college students are about to receive their degrees. Commencement will be a big moment for those students and it will also prove a proud moment for their families, who will want to reward graduates with a gift commensurate with this significant accomplishment. As graduates prepare to trade in campus life for the professional arena, wellwishers can consider these graduation gift ideas.
ATTIRE: Though many businesses have committed to remote or hybrid working in recent years, college graduates will still need something more than hoodies and sweatpants as they enter the professional arena. Professional attire can include anything from suits to business casual clothing. Developing a professional wardrobe can be costly, so gift givers can take new college grads out shopping for attire that can help them make a strong first impression. If distance or timing makes such an excursion impossible, a gift card worth enough money to help grads begin building an impressive professional wardrobe can make for a great gift.
TOTE BAG/MESSENGER BAG:
Traditional briefcases are still around, but many modern professionals now prefer tote
bags and messenger bags. Bags with padded pockets that can accommodate 15-inch laptops can be especially useful and help new graduations set a professional tone during interviews and after landing a job.
FURNISHINGS : Of course, some newly minted grads will already have a job lined up by the time they stroll across a graduation stage and receive their degrees. In such instances, they might benefit
from a little help furnishing their first apartments. Some new kitchenware, a gift card to a furniture store or some gadgets like a new smart TV or home speaker system can help a new place feel like home that much sooner.
COOKING LESSONS: Now that the campus dining hall is in the rearview mirror, new grads will have to prepare their own meals. Some might be doing so for the first time, so some cooking lessons with a local chef or instruction offered at a local restaurant can ensure new grads aren’t spending the bulk of their earnings on takeout or dining out.
College graduation is an exciting time in a young person’s life. Loved ones can consider an assortment of gifts to make this period even more special.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF GRADUATE SCHOOL IS THE RIGHT NEXT STEP AFTER GRADUATION
Millions of students will walk across a stage at graduation ceremonies and receive their bachelor’s degrees this spring. That feeling can be unlike any other, marking the culmination of years of hard work and schooling that began nearly 20 years earlier. Though many students look forward to entering the workforce upon receiving their bachelor’s degrees, some ponder if graduate school should be their next step.
A 2021 report from the American Council on Education revealed that more than 1.7 million students were enrolled in graduate education in Fall 2020 at institutions that participated in a survey conducted for the report. A decision regarding graduate school is seldom easy. In addition to the academic rigors of graduate school, tuition is costly. Cost is no small consideration, as the ACE survey found that 43 percent of grad students in Fall 2020 were part-time. Parttime students are typically ineligible for financial aid, which means students will have to pay out-of-pocket or apply for loans to finance their schooling (Note: Lenders may restrict student loans to full-time students.) Paying out of pocket is a significant commitment, as the Education Data Initiative indicates the average cost of a Master’s degree in Business Administration in 2022 was just under $62,000. Much is at stake as graduates ponder whether or not graduate school is the right next step for them. The following are some factors students can consider as they try to make this decision.
gree. Adjunct professors, who are part-time faculty members hired on a contractual basis, typically need a master’s degree (though a bachelor’s degree and professional experience is sufficient for some positions). A doctoral degree is often a requirement to become a full-time tenure-track professor. When considering grad school, prospective applicants should determine if an advanced degree is a requirement to work in their desired field. If so, the decision is essentially made for them. If not, applicants must decide if the cost and rigorous workload is worth it.
aid for postgraduate work. But in such instances, students may need to finance the degrees on their own.
PROFESSIONAL NEED: Certain professions require more than a bachelor’s degree to gain employment. For example, a student who aspires to teach at a college or university will likely need more than a bachelor’s de -
CANDIDACY: Another consideration is each individual’s candidacy. Students considering grad school should realistically assess their academic performance as an undergrad. Was the performance strong enough to gain entry into a top-tier graduate program? This is an important consideration, as top-tier pro -
grams typically have much higher endowments, which means they can more effectively help students offset grad school costs through grants and other types of financial aid. Students can still gain a lot from grad school if their undergrad performance wasn’t enough to earn financial
EARNING POTENTIAL : Earning potential also merits consideration. As noted, some professions require postgraduate degrees. But many do not. However, that does not mean students have little to gain from earning an advanced degree in a field where no such degree is required. For example, a recent analysis from the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that the average starting salary for individuals with a master’s in Finance was 15 percent higher than the average starting salary for individuals with just a bachelor’s degree. The same survey found that a master’s in Computer Science translated to a 32 percent higher starting salary than a bachelor’s. In such instances, a master’s could be well worth the investment.
MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICATIONS ARE ON THE DECLINE
Medical school is never far from the minds of students who aspire to be doctors. The Princeton Review says that medical school takes four years to complete, after which individuals will also spend three to eight years in residency. When all is said and done, an individual who entered college at 18 may not become a doctor until he or she is 29, if not older.
In the United States, students can expect to spend an average of $364,536 to become a doctor, says White Coat Investor. Of that amount, $218,792 is for medical school and $145,744 is for an undergraduate degree. Students must devote a lot of time and money to become a doctor, and that commitment could be one
reason behind a recent decline in medical school applications. According to data released by the Association of Ameri -
can Medical Colleges, the 2023-2024 school year marked the second consecutive year medical schools saw a drop in
applicants. There were 52,577 applicants, which was a decline of 4 percent over the 2022-2023 year. This is in contrast to the 2021-2022 year, which was likely driven by people inspired to engage in careers in medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, there were a record number of medical school applicants, with an 18 percent increase over the previous year.
Despite a decline in applications, first-year enrollments remain high and rose 1.2 percent compared to 2023, according to AAMC data. Schools also are seeing more ethnically diverse medical students. Medical Economics reports the number of first-year Hispanic medical students rose by 4.5 percent in 2023 and American Indian or
Alaska Native medical students rose by 14.7 percent. Women also accounted for more than half of applicants and first-year students.
Experts are unsure what is driving the decline in medical school applicants. However, David J. Skorton, president and CEO of the AAMC, said the medical community is seeing declines in applications for other health professions as well. The long hours, intense schooling, cost of tuition, and wear on mental health are some factors that might be causing students to reconsider medical school. Some schools are now redesigning programs to cater to medical students’ overall health and wellness on their journeys to becoming doctors.
HOW TO LAND A JOB AFTER GRADUATION
The road to graduation can be long and winding. Graduation often is an exciting time in a person’s life. However, it also may spark some anxiety as newly minted grads prepare to look for jobs and begin their careers.
An unpredictable economic climate coupled with the rising cost of education can make soon-tobe graduates curious about what awaits them after graduation. According to the market data reporting firm Gitnux, 86 percent of college graduates can expect to find jobs within six months of graduation.
While the economy can affect how quickly new grads begin their careers, it’s not the only variable
that affects where grads go after tossing their caps in the air. Students on the cusp of graduation can employ various strategies to increase their chances of finding a job.
✦ Start while in school. It’s never too early to think about the hiring process and what can be done to improve your profile as a candidate. Maintain a grade point average that will impress employers, suggests Indeed. Also, part-time jobs and internships in your field will help you gain valuable experience and determine if working in a particular field is a good fit.
✦ Select an off-peak time to search for a job. Many people start searching and applying for jobs at the same time, typically after graduation ceremonies in December and May. That floods the market with applicants. Increase the chances your résumé is read by staggering when you apply for jobs and sending out inquiries before you graduate.
✦ Streamline your résumé. Many companies receive thousands of applications per position, so it is essential to cater your résumé to the specific job to which you are applying. Include key words that match those in the job listing and will attract the
attention of hiring managers. If you do not yet have experience, replace that section on the résumé with your accomplishments or special projects you have worked on.
✦ Network as much as possible. Many job openings are learned about through personal relationships. Employers may not advertise widely and hope that word of mouth will bring applicants to their doors, or through recommendations from other employees. Reach out to academic advisors, former professors and colleagues in your academic department. Be sure to maintain these networking relationships.
✦ Consider growth-stage companies. The University of Missouri Career Center says growth-stage companies tend to hire entry level professionals who do not necessarily have a lot of experience. These are fast-growing companies looking to expand their operations and build company culture.
✦ Utilize networking social media apps. Indeed and LinkedIn enable people to network and make it easy to apply for jobs directly through their sites or apps. There’s even the option to passively apply for jobs by having a résumé uploaded where companies can search and find you if your skills are a match.